In Flight USA Article Categories
In Flight USA Articles
Yanks Air Museum
Experience the Legacy of American Aircraft
The P-40 Warhawk. (Courtesy Yanks Air Museum)Imagine a time back in historical America, when adventurous men and women flew our legendary aircraft for fun, for show, for profit, to set new world records or to fight and defend our freedom at all costs. Come to Yanks and see the aircraft that turned the tides, and changed the fate of America’s history forever. Oh, and don’t forget, these aircraft can fly!
At Yanks Air Museum, in Chino, California, the desire to honor and preserve historical aircraft has held a prominent place in their legacy since 1972. Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, who began the search for these world-renowned aircraft, that now span more than a century and a wide variety of eras, wars, conflicts, and events. When you step into one of their hangars, you are instantly transported to another time. You’ll feel a sense of wonder and awe as you explore airpower and how it has changed the world.
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou Makes Top Secret Visit to Yanks Air Museum in Chino, Calif.
By Donia Moore
(Courtesy of Yanks Air Museum)Most people love surprises. The people at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, Calif. received a double whammy of a surprise when officials recently arranged a top-secret visit of Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou to the museum. A fan of aviation history and vintage aircraft, Ma came to meet with 92-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel Harold Javitt, USAF. Javitt is a former member of the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force. Nicknamed the Flying Tigers, the group consisted of three squadrons with approximately 30 aircraft each. It was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), recruited under presidential authority and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The fierce shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains one of the most recognizable images of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II. The Flying Tigers were responsible for defending China against Japanese forces during World War II. Javitt and his family members have been invited to participate in Taiwan’s military parade held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of victory over Japan.
On the Wings of Young Eagles
By Donia Moore
(Donia Moore)The magic carpet shot into the sky like an arrow heading straight and true into the heart of the young adventurers on board. They were taking their premier step to becoming Young Eagles, and they were in their first small aircraft ride. Eyes grew larger and stomachs grew tighter with the excitement of flying above the clouds for the first time in a small plane. They would never forget the feeling of euphoria brought on by their 20 minutes of freedom from the ground as the plane climbed to altitude. When asked how long he’d like the flight to last, one young potential aviator said “forever!”
Hands on the Controls
Robert Baker, an FAA Safety representative and veteran EAA Young Eagles host pilot understands that sentiment. He has been involved with the Young Eagle program in Southern California for close to 10 years, personally flying “first flights” for nearly 200 kids. “1.9 million Young Eagles have safely enjoyed flying through the Experimental Aircraft Association program since its start in 1992,” says Robert. The Young Eagles program was designed to give children from the ages of 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane. Spearheaded by donations and help from EAA’s network of volunteer pilots, this program is offered free of charge with the goal of educating our next generation about the possibilities in the aviation field. For many, their first flight is the beginning of their journey towards a career as a pilot, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, or other aviation related possibilities. Interest in the program is growing. EAA is an international aviation membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis. Local chapters are located in all 50 states and many countries. Members are aviation enthusiasts of every age group, including many airline and commercial pilots, engineers, business people and even astronauts.
Where American Legends Live On: Yanks Air Museum Welcomes AOPA to Chino, California
By Donia Moore
Setting the Stage
Imagine a younger America where patriotism was the order of the day and dashing heroes boldly flew legendary aircraft, fighting wars to defend American ideals of freedom at all costs. Envisage new and unconventional aircraft turning the tides of history forever. Discover more than 200 fully restored proud American legends of yesterday living on at world-class Yanks Air Museum in Chino, Calif.
A Stellar Trio
The “sister” ship of the famous “Ryan N.Y.P.” Spirit of Saint Louis, piloted by Charles “Lucky” Lindberg. The aircraft is made of welded chrome-moly steel tubing, solid spruce spars and covered with fabric (Yanks Air Museum) The lanky, quiet young U.S. mail-carrier ambled out to the airstrip and climbed into his Ryan B-1 Brougham. On May 20-21, 1927, this former barnstormer/wingwalker wasn’t flying his regular route. He was on his way to accomplish the first solo non-stop New York to Paris flight. He caught the imagination of the world. The popularity of his five-seat passenger transport sky-rocketed. Demand was so high among aviators that production of the B-1shot up to three planes a week for a price of $9,700.00 per plane. Only 142 of these were eventually built. Today, the only flyable Ryan B-1 in the world, the “sister” ship to Charles “Lucky” Lindberg’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” is at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, Calif.